Should I bring toilet paper to Peru?
Ok its kind of a crappy subject hahaha, but here is the reality.
Yes, it is a good idea to bring a small amount of toilet paper or tissues to Peru. Many public restrooms, especially in bus stations, markets, smaller restaurants, rural areas, and some tourist sites, may not provide toilet paper or even toilet seats. It is also common for attendants to hand out a small amount of paper near the entrance, sometimes for a small fee, but if you don’t have small coins for change the price of getting that paper can skyrocket. Carry a travel pack of tissues, toilet paper, or flushable wipes in your day bag, along with hand sanitizer, because soap is not always available either.
I’d avoid recommending these, even if labeled flushable. They can still cause plumbing problems. Lets keep flushable wipes in perspective here, they are flushable in your country and may not be suitable to be flushed here in Peru.
Do not assume every restroom will have supplies. In hotels, nicer restaurants, airports, and larger shopping centers, toilet paper is usually provided, but it is still convenient to have your own. Another important point is plumbing: in many parts of Peru, used toilet paper should be placed in the wastebasket rather than flushed, because sewer systems may not handle paper well. That last point can be valid for older buildings and depends heavily on the quality of paper available. Look for a small bin beside the toilet and follow any posted signs. Bringing your own supplies is inexpensive, takes almost no space, and can make travel much more comfortable, particularly if you plan to visit rural regions, take long bus rides, or explore archaeological sites.
At the end of the day no one wants to be stuck on the side of a mountain needing toilet paper and discovering there’s none available when you need it most.
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